Responding to questions about the government’s plans to reverse Bhutan’s declining press freedom ranking, the industry, commerce, and employment minister said the credibility of the World Press Freedom Index 2025 itself remains questionable. Minister Namgyal Dorji stated that the research methodology used by Reporters Without Borders, RSF, for the press freedom index is unclear. Bhutan’s press freedom ranking dropped to 152nd in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.
During the question hour session in the National Assembly, Members of Parliament said that Bhutan’s steady decline in press freedom ranking raises concerns about the integrity of the country’s democratic discourse.
“Bhutan’s press freedom ranking dropped from 33rd in 2022 to 90th in 2023, then to 147th in 2024, and further declined to 152nd in 2025. The consistent fall in ranking suggests that people are not receiving timely information and access,” said Tempa Dorji, Maenbi-Tsaenkhar MP.
Gangzur-Minjey MP Loday Tsheten said, “What plans does the government have to ensure that the media can operate independently and without fear of political reprisal, given that this was the key factor in the decline of Bhutan’s press freedom ranking?”
In response, Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister Namgyal Dorji said the report is unreliable to determine the country’s state of press freedom. He added that one such report should not undermine the overall progress of the country.
The minister said, “Regarding RSF’s report on self-censorship under the social indicator, we inquired with our media professionals about their participation. We found that the report lacks certainty, as out of 200 media personnel, only three stated that they had responded to the questionnaire, and that too for the previous year, not for 2025.”
Furthermore, he said that there have been no reported incidents of political reprisal, adding that the press continues to operate independently in gathering and reporting news.
In addition, the minister said, the ministry has been providing training for the media and has also established Standard Operating Procedures to ensure timely access to information.
Bhutan scored the lowest in RSF’s social indicator, revealing self-censorship as the major concern, where many journalists avoid covering sensitive issues for fear of appearing to challenge the social order.
The RSF Index evaluates press freedom in 180 countries based on five indicators: political, economic, legislative, social, and security.
Sonam Yuden & Tashi Dekar
Edited by Phub Gyem
